Research on animals

Only vertebrates are considered ‘animals’ for ethical considerations in FP7. Animals should only be used for research when no other methods are available to achieve the research goals. Basic to ethics in animal research is animal welfare and application of the 3R-prínciple (reduce, refine, replace).

1. Justify the need for the use of animals, the species and disease models to be used.

2. Justify the numbers of animals you expect to use, even if estimates, better still provide clear sample size estimates. The numbers should be backed up by power analysis whenever possible as a measure of reduction.

3. Explain clearly the animals living conditions, what procedure will be performed to the animal and state humane endpoints.

4. If generating of using transgenic animals, justify and anticipate how this may affect animal welfare and describe adequate measures

5. Clearly note the three R’s (replace, refine and reduce) and describe how these will be applied in your project

6. Cite your animal license number or confirm your group has one and confirm you will seek ethical approval where needed

6. State what qualified technical staff will be dealing with the animals

7. Quote relevant national and EU guidelines as they relate to your project. Do not simply cite them, but also relate how they apply to your research

  Non-human primates

If your study uses non-human primates then special attention must be paid to justification and all ethical aspects in such cases.

The use of non human primates is a sensitive area and requires major consideration by the applicants to justify this – in addition to those applicable for animal research in general.

1. Specifically, applicants need to state if these are wild-caught or captive bred, and which breeding centre they originated from

2. Staff needs to be qualified and trained in this area. The living conditions, welfare issues and experimental procedures should be described.